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The pathogenicity of an entomopoxvirus fromOthnonius batesi [Col.: Scarabaeidae] and its possible use as a control agent

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Abstract

In a natural population ofOthnonius batesi Oll. at Glen Innes, N.S.W., 4.0% of larvae in 1972 and 2.2% in 1973 were exhibiting symptoms of virus infection, whilst 0.8% of pupae and adults from the same population were infected in 1972. These figures, and field observations of infected larvae, suggested that the pathogenicity of the virus was low. In laboratory experiments withO. batesi the infection had little effect on mortality, and no significant effect on duration of the first instar, food intake, or larval growth. The vast accumulation of virus in the fat body probably results in mortality prior to, or during, the pupal period. Temperature had a marked effect on both % infection (optimum 30°C) and production of viral spheroids (optimum 25°C). Very little viral development occurred below 20°C. In a host range study onlyO. batesi, Rhopaea verreauxi Blanch. andR. morbillosa Blkb. were infectedper os. The possible use of the virus as a control agent is discussed.

Résumé

Dans une population naturelle d'Othnonius batesi à Glen Innes, N.S.W., 4% des larves en 1972 et 2,2% en 1973 présentaient des symptômes d'infection virale, alors que 0.8% des nymphes et des adultes de la même population étaient infectés en 1972. Ces chiffres, et des observations de larves infectées faites sur les lieux, suggéraient que la pathogénie du virus était basse. Dans des expériences faites en laboratoire avecO. batesi, l'infection a peu d'effet sur la mortalité et aucun effet significatif sur la durée du premier stade, sur la consommation de nourriture ou sur la croissance larvaire. La forte accumulation de virus dans le corps gras entraîne probablement la mortalité avant ou pendant la période de nymphose. Latempérature a un effet marqué sur le pourcentage d'infection (optimum 30°C) ainsi que sur la production de sphéroides viraux (optimum 25°C). Très peu de développement viral s'est produit à 20°C. Dans une série complète d'études seulementO. batesi, Rhopaea verreauxi etR. morbillosa étaient infectésper os. L'usage possible du virus en tant qu'agent de contrôle est discuté.

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  1. Division of Entomology, CSIRO, 2350, Armidale, N.S.W., Australia

    R. J. Milner & G. G. Lutton

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  1. R. J. Milner
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  2. G. G. Lutton
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Milner, R.J., Lutton, G.G. The pathogenicity of an entomopoxvirus fromOthnonius batesi [Col.: Scarabaeidae] and its possible use as a control agent. Entomophaga 20, 213–220 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02371662

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